# Hypnosis: Basics, Principles and How to Study It > A beginner's guide to hypnosis: what suggestion is, how autosuggestion works, what researchers study, and how to start learning about hypnosis. - URL: https://celitel.online/en/blog/gipnoz-chto-eto-kak-izuchat/ - Author: Dr. Boris Wydoff — https://celitel.online/en/about/ - Published: 2026-11-14 - Language: en Hypnosis is a method of working with attention and suggestion. During hypnosis, a person focuses on certain thoughts, images and sensations and becomes more receptive to suggested words and phrases. The basics of hypnosis for beginners include three key concepts: suggestion, hypnosis and autosuggestion. To understand the subject, first learn to distinguish between them, then explore the features of the hypnotic state and become familiar with the practice of autosuggestion. After that, you can look at scientific research into the use of hypnotherapy. A good place to start is with simple exercises in observing your own thoughts, without experimenting on other people. ## What Is Hypnosis and Why Are There So Many Questions About It? For many people, the word "hypnosis" brings to mind mysterious experiments, loss of control and submission to another person's will. However, the best way to approach the subject is not through stage performances but by understanding the concept of suggestion. It lies at the heart of both hypnosis and autosuggestion. Suggestion also plays a part in everyday communication. In daily life, we constantly take in other people's words, opinions and emotional reactions. Parents influence how children see the world, teachers shape their attitudes towards learning, and people close to us can either strengthen our confidence or increase our doubts. Dr. Boris Wydoff considers the influence of words and beliefs on a person's inner state one of the most important subjects when studying hypnosis. Hypnosis and autosuggestion are related, but they are not the same thing. In the first case, suggestions may come from another person, such as a practitioner during a session. In the second, a person works independently with their own thoughts, images and inner beliefs. For beginners, it is helpful to follow a step-by-step plan: 1. Understand what suggestion is and how it appears in everyday life. 2. Study the features of the hypnotic state and the role of focused attention. 3. Understand how hypnosis differs from autosuggestion. 4. Explore Émile Coué's approach to working independently with thoughts. 5. Learn the principles of formulating affirmations and observing inner images. 6. Study scientific research on hypnotherapy and the limitations of the findings. 7. Identify which skills require professional training and which can be learned independently. This approach helps you see hypnosis not as a collection of mysterious techniques but as a subject that can be studied systematically. It is connected with psychology, attention and suggestion. ## What Happens During a Hypnotic State? When people talk about hypnosis, they often mention relaxation, concentration and increased receptiveness to words. During hypnotic work, a practitioner invites the person to direct their attention towards certain images, sensations or phrases. Suggestions may be accompanied by a calm voice, repeated statements and specific concentration exercises. You should not assume that every relaxed person is in a hypnotic state. Resting, daydreaming, becoming absorbed in an interesting book and participating in hypnotic work are not identical experiences. To study the subject, you need to understand exactly what conditions the practitioner creates. It is also important to know what goal they have set for the person taking part in the session. One important concept here is suggestibility. This refers to how receptive a person is to suggestion. People differ in their level of suggestibility. As a result, the same method of influence will not necessarily produce the same outcome in different people. In his lecture, Dr. Wydoff draws attention to the voice, gaze, gestures and intonation. He considers these elements of the art of suggestion, which must be developed through practice. In his view, a hypnotist does not become a master simply by learning a few techniques. It takes regular training and careful observation of people's reactions. At the same time, hypnosis should not be presented as a way to control someone automatically. It is important to distinguish between professional work with suggestion, entertainment demonstrations and the independent study of psychological techniques. They have different purposes and conditions of use. ## How Is Hypnosis Different from Autosuggestion? Autosuggestion is the process of working independently with your own thoughts and inner beliefs. Unlike a session with a hypnotist, it does not require another person to deliver suggestive phrases. You choose the content of your thoughts yourself and return to it independently. Dr. Wydoff connects this tradition with Émile Coué, a pharmacist and psychologist known for his work on autosuggestion in Nancy in the early 20th century. Coué viewed autosuggestion as an independent way of working with thoughts and beliefs. To understand the subject, it is helpful to remember three concepts: - **Suggestion** — the influence of words, images and other signals on a person's ideas and beliefs. - **Hypnosis** — an approach to working with consciousness that uses specific methods of suggestion. - **Autosuggestion** — the independent development and repetition of inner beliefs. For example, someone may hear encouraging words from another person. This is an example of external influence. If they choose a phrase themselves, repeat it and develop a corresponding inner image, this is autosuggestion. A hypnotic session is a separate form of work in which a practitioner uses specific methods to direct attention and deliver suggestions. These concepts overlap, but they are not interchangeable. Understanding the differences helps prevent confusion between psychological exercises, hypnotic sessions and everyday communication. ## My Advice: Where Should You Start When Studying Hypnosis? Over the years of studying psychotherapy and hypnosis, I have become convinced that suggestion has a significant influence on people's lives. In 2009, I received a diploma in psychotherapy and hypnosis from The Mindcare Organisation. In my books and lectures, I approach hypnosis primarily as the art of suggestion and autosuggestion. Here are the points I recommend paying attention to. **1. Start by observing your own thoughts.** I recommend learning to change your habitual ways of expressing things. Instead of telling yourself "I can't", say "I can". Instead of automatically expecting failure, allow yourself to consider the possibility of success. In my book, I write that an affirmation should be short and express a single thought. So the first exercise is to notice a habitual negative statement and find a constructive alternative. For example, instead of "Nothing will work out for me", try "I can give it a try". There is no need to write a long text. Choose one thought you want to reinforce and return to it during your independent practice. I connect the effect of affirmations with repetition and emotional involvement. Simply repeating words mechanically is not enough. It is important to have a clear picture in your mind of what you are talking about. **2. Pay attention to imagination and inner images.** In my view, suggestion becomes more meaningful when a person does not simply repeat a phrase but creates a mental picture that makes sense to them. In my books, I recommend imagining yourself as stronger, purer and more alive. This should be an image that your mind finds desirable. In practice, this means connecting your chosen phrase with an appropriate mental image. If you are working with the idea of becoming more confident, picture yourself acting with confidence. Do not limit yourself to saying the words. Keep in mind the image that corresponds to the belief you have chosen. I connect this approach with the idea that vivid mental images and belief in your own abilities help you maintain the attitude you have chosen. This is my explanation of the mechanism, not established scientific proof that mental images influence how the body's organs function. **3. Practise autosuggestion regularly, but avoid mechanical repetition.** I recommend practising in the morning and before bed for 10–15 minutes. As I see it, a calm state of mind, a short phrase and consistency are important. For independent practice, I suggest following this sequence: - **Choose a time.** Practise in the morning and before bed, setting aside 10–15 minutes for each session. - **Choose one goal.** Do not try to work on several opposing or unrelated beliefs at the same time. - **Formulate your thought.** Use a short sentence that expresses the direction of change you want. - **Check your wording.** Choose constructive words instead of negative statements and habitual self-limitations. For example, use "I can" instead of "I can't". - **Focus on your chosen thought.** Do not turn the exercise into mechanically repeating a text. - **Use your imagination.** Picture an image that corresponds to the belief you are repeating. - **Repeat the practice.** Return to your chosen phrase in the morning and evening, maintaining consistency. I also draw attention to Émile Coué's idea: as I understand it, autosuggestion does not require you to force yourself to believe something through willpower. The important thing is not to undermine the thought you have chosen with constant inner doubt. **4. Study the role of early experiences and learn to distinguish suggestion from hypnosis.** In my lectures, I connect a person's receptiveness to suggestion with childhood. I believe that words and beliefs absorbed through family and the surrounding environment can influence how people see themselves and their abilities in adulthood. That is why I recommend paying attention to where your habitual beliefs come from. For example, if you constantly tell yourself that you cannot handle a particular task, it is worth considering where this belief originated. Then ask yourself whether it matches your current experience. At the same time, modern medicine views hypnosis as a distinct state of focused attention and increased receptiveness to suggestion. However, it does not confirm my ideas about the 100% suggestibility of all children under the age of seven or the existence of superconsciousness as a separate mechanism. I am convinced that learning this field requires more than reading. It calls for systematic study of psychology, observation and professional practice. Hypnosis is neither magic nor a universal way to control another person. It is a subject worth studying, and it is important to approach it critically and responsibly. ## What Do Scientists Study and What Results Are Already Known? Researchers are interested in hypnosis not only as a psychological phenomenon but also as a possible complementary approach to certain health conditions. Its use is being studied in connection with pain, anxiety before medical and dental procedures, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, certain menopausal symptoms and other conditions. One area of research is gut-directed hypnotherapy. During this type of treatment, a practitioner uses suggestions intended to improve the perception and regulation of gastrointestinal functions. There is evidence that this approach may reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improve quality of life for some patients. However, the strength of scientific evidence varies depending on the condition being treated. For example, the 2021 recommendations of the American gastroenterology organisation include gut-directed hypnotherapy among the psychotherapeutic approaches for irritable bowel syndrome. However, the recommendation is conditional, and the quality of evidence is rated as very low. The use of hypnosis for certain types of pain is also being studied. The results of some studies look promising. However, the level of supporting evidence varies depending on the condition and the specific technique used. Another area of research is anxiety before medical and dental procedures. Some studies have reported positive results. However, the overall evidence does not yet allow us to consider the effectiveness of hypnosis definitively established. Researchers have also investigated whether hypnosis can help people stop smoking. However, the findings have been inconsistent. Therefore, it would be wrong to claim that hypnotherapy will necessarily help everyone give up this habit. For readers who want to understand the basics of hypnosis, there is an important lesson here: scientific research into a method cannot be based solely on stories about individual success cases. Researchers need to consider the quality of studies, the characteristics of participants and the techniques used. It is also important to assess whether the results can be reproduced. It is equally important to distinguish scientific evidence from practitioners' personal explanations. The fact that an individual practitioner considers a particular technique effective does not, by itself, prove that it works. That is why, when studying hypnosis, it is useful to compare educational materials with medical recommendations and research findings. ## Where and How Can You Learn About It? If you want to study hypnosis not in isolation but in the context of naturopathy, psychology and working with the mind, take a look at the [Academy of Natural Healing](/academy/) programme. This is a structured educational course made up of books, video materials, seminars and audio recordings by Dr. Boris Wydoff. The programme includes five stages. The first focuses on the doctor's books, including "The ABCs of Health", "The Handbook for the Healthy and the Sick", "Secrets of Youth, Health and Beauty" and "Victory Over Cancer". The second stage covers nutrition and cleansing, while the third explores common illnesses and naturopathic practices. The fourth brings together advanced seminars and audio materials, and the fifth focuses on consciousness, the mind, suggestion, hypnosis and parapsychology. The final section includes the lectures "The Art of Suggestion and Autosuggestion" and "The Prelude to Death, Hypnosis and Psychosis", the hypnology seminar "The Science and Art of Suggestion", as well as materials from the doctor's personal collection on psychology and hypnology. After completing the programme, students will be able to understand the basic principles of naturopathy, recognise the relationship between nutrition, lifestyle and well-being, explore natural practices and take a more conscious approach to caring for their family's health. A separate part of the course introduces the influence of thoughts, habits and suggestion. It also provides an opportunity to learn the basics of hypnosis and parapsychology as fields concerned with the mind. The training concludes with an examination conducted personally by Boris Wydoff. Based on the results, students can receive certificates in naturopathy and parapsychology bearing their names. Details and registration are available on the Academy's page. ## When to See a Doctor Hypnosis itself is not an illness, so there is no separate list of symptoms that automatically require an emergency call. If your life is in immediate danger or you experience signs of an acute, serious condition, seek emergency medical assistance rather than trying to resolve the situation through suggestion. A routine medical consultation is necessary if you are considering hypnosis in connection with pain, anxiety, digestive problems, menopausal symptoms or another health condition. A healthcare professional can assess your situation and help determine which approaches are appropriate for you. It is particularly important not to delay medical assessment if you develop new, severe or worsening symptoms, unexplained pain, a sudden deterioration in your well-being or other warning signs. Practising suggestion on your own does not replace medical examinations and cannot establish the cause of such symptoms. If you are already receiving treatment, discuss any complementary approaches with your treating doctor. Hypnosis should never become a reason to refuse prescribed examinations, medication or medical care. Treatment decisions should be made together with a healthcare professional. You can read more about my approach to this subject on the "[Youth and Longevity](/health/dolgoletie/)" page. ## From the Editorial Team This article is based on the books and educational materials of Dr. Boris Wydoff, while the medical information reflects current reference data on hypnosis. The author's personal views on suggestion and autosuggestion are distinguished from scientific information about the use of hypnotherapy. This material is intended to introduce readers to the subject and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Medical information: [NCCIH (National Institutes of Health, USA)](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/hypnosis). ## FAQ **Q: What is hypnosis in simple terms?** A: Hypnosis is a method of working with attention and suggestion in which a person focuses on certain thoughts, images and sensations. During a session, a practitioner uses specific phrases and techniques to direct attention, while people's receptiveness to suggestion can vary. **Q: Can I learn hypnosis on my own without a practitioner?** A: You can start independently by studying the theory, learning about suggestion and autosuggestion, and observing your own thoughts. However, professional work with hypnosis requires studying psychology, gaining practical experience and learning to observe people's reactions. Independent exercises are not a substitute for professional training. **Q: What is the difference between autosuggestion and hypnosis?** A: With autosuggestion, a person independently chooses an inner belief, formulates it and returns to it during practice. In hypnotic work, suggestions may come from a practitioner who helps direct attention towards certain images and sensations. Both concepts involve suggestion, but they describe different ways of working. **Q: Can anyone be hypnotised?** A: Suggestibility varies from person to person: different people may react differently to the same techniques. Therefore, you cannot expect one technique to produce the same result in everyone. Hypnosis does not mean automatically losing control of yourself. **Q: What conditions is hypnotherapy used for?** A: It is being studied as a complementary approach for certain types of pain, anxiety before medical and dental procedures, irritable bowel syndrome and some menopausal symptoms. The strength of scientific evidence varies depending on the condition and the technique used. Hypnotherapy does not replace necessary medical care. **Q: Is it true that hypnosis can help you quit smoking?** A: The possibility of using hypnosis to help people stop smoking has been investigated in scientific studies, but the results have been inconsistent. Therefore, hypnotherapy cannot be considered a guaranteed way to overcome nicotine dependence. It is best to discuss your options for quitting smoking with a healthcare professional. **Q: Where should I start if I am new to the basics of hypnosis?** A: Start with three simple steps. Spend the first 10–15 minutes of your morning learning the differences between suggestion, hypnosis and autosuggestion. Then choose one short, positive phrase and try to connect it with an appropriate inner image. The next step is regular autosuggestion practice in the morning and before bed for 10–15 minutes, as Dr. Wydoff recommends. To continue learning, explore his materials on the art of suggestion and autosuggestion, and compare the author's personal recommendations with scientific evidence. _Educational content; it does not replace medical advice._